though I belong to many programs, I have long since stopped working towards picking a hotel based on just points. I was using Marriott all the time, but started doing the math about the number of points I would earn on a stay and what it would get me in free rooms or air travel later. Not much.

So, now I pick on comfort. For example. I was going to Chicago for ahwile and found that the $89 Amerisuites was much more to my liking than the $169 Marriott. Fridge, microwave, nice work table, free breakfast in morning.

Not worth all the hassle. Unless you travel EVERY week, and the company does not care how much you spend. Then, maybe the upgrades and points are worth it.